Netflix Strikes New Deal with Richard Gadd of “Baby Reindeer” Despite £129m Lawsuit
Netflix has announced a new deal with Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd, despite facing a £129 million lawsuit. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos shared the news at the Royal Television Society (RTS) London Conference, praising Gadd as a “brilliant storyteller.” Speaking at the event, Sarandos expressed admiration for Gadd’s unique storytelling abilities, highlighting the significance of his story in the current era.
During a discussion with presenter Kirsty Wark, Sarandos defended Netflix’s approach to storytelling, stating, “We are facilitating storytellers to tell their stories, this is Richard’s true story.” He also revealed that a first-look deal had been finalised with Gadd for his upcoming work on the streaming platform. Sarandos commended Gadd’s journey from relative obscurity to international acclaim with “Baby Reindeer,” emphasising the platform’s commitment to showcasing diverse narratives.
“Baby Reindeer,” which draws inspiration from Gadd’s personal encounters with stalking and assault, received critical acclaim, securing four Emmy Awards. Gadd himself garnered three awards for his involvement in writing, producing, and acting in the series. However, the show faced controversy when a woman claimed the character Martha was inaccurately portrayed, leading to the lawsuit against Netflix.
In response to the new partnership, Gadd expressed his excitement to continue collaborating with Netflix, acknowledging the platform’s initial support when he was untested in television. Sarandos disclosed that Netflix’s top-performing shows in terms of audience engagement were British productions, underscoring the success of collaborations such as “Baby Reindeer.”
Looking ahead, Sarandos outlined Netflix’s plans to expand into live events, including sporting events like NFL football games and a WWE weekly series. He stressed the platform’s aim to provide viewers with an escape from political discourse, focusing on delivering content that resonates with global audiences.
As the conference concluded, Sarandos lauded the UK’s television industry, highlighting the nation’s role as a hub for innovative storytelling. He commended British talent and institutions for nurturing creativity, pointing to acclaimed series like “The Crown” and “Bridgerton” as examples of the UK’s thriving television landscape.
Netflix’s ongoing collaboration with Richard Gadd reflects the streaming giant’s commitment to supporting diverse voices and compelling narratives, setting the stage for future creative endeavours on the platform.